Primary pickers: North Carolina could have significant say in nominee

It would be kind of nice, wouldn't it, to be able to be one of the states that helps decide who will be the Republican nominee for president of the United States.

And while it is probably not likely that the battle would go down to the wire -- and May (or possibly July) -- wouldn't it be kind of thrilling if it did?

Although it can be exhausting to watch, the Republican campaign has been interesting to say the least -- and getting even more interesting.

And while South Carolina and Florida will make a big difference, and Super Tuesday just might nail it down, North Carolina voters should keep their ears pricked -- just in case there is a tie-breaker later.

The downside to any campaign is its length and its attacks and bickering.

The upside is that there are many qualified candidates to choose from -- and that it is up to all of us if we want to change the direction of the country.

The freedom to choose our own fate is one of the best parts of being an American.